Energy generation from carbonaceous and nitrogenous pollutants via ammonium, methane, and carbon dioxide reformation

A novel integrated electrodeionization-solid oxide fuel cells (EDI-SOFC) integrated system was tested for energy capture from carbonaceous and nitrogenous pollutants in digestate or landfill leachate. The NH4+-N reduction increased the yields of hydrogen and ammonia in the EDI and CH4 reformation with C02 avoiding carbon deposition, along with an approximate doubling of the energy conversion efficiency in the SOFC over traditional combustion. The system achieved a net energy output 60% greater than conventional systems under optimal conditions of 3.0 V and 7.5 mm internal electrode distance in the EDI and 750 °C for the SOFC. The net energy balance ratio was upgraded from 1.11 to 1.75 in a local Hong Kong active landfill facility with carbonaceous (10.0 g/L COD) and nitrogenous pollutants (0.21 mol/L concentrated NH4+-N). Additionally, an average of 80% heavy metals and ions (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate), were recovered from raw landfill leachate by the electrodeionization stack. This study presents creative possibilities for more sustainable wastewater management..